Burrowing Owl Information

NA Distribution Map

• Washington Distribution
• Breeding Distribution
• Wintering Distribution

Natural History

• USGS - Burrowing Owl Information
• The Nature Conservancy: Species Management Abstract - Western Burrowing Owl

Conservation Status

• Federal Status - National Bird of Conservation Concern
• Washington State - Species of Concern
• Canadian Status – Endangered Species
• Status Assessment and Conservation Plan for the Western Burrowing Owl. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Technical Publication. 120 pp.

Tri-Cities and Moses Lake Burrowing Owl Research Project
(USGS – Courtney Conway, principle investigator)

• Project Description
• Burrowing Owl Conservation on Golf Courses in North America
  U.S. GOLF ASSOCIATION – WILDLIFE LINKS PROGRAM: FINAL REPORT – DECEMBER 2002
• How to Install Artificial Nesting Burrows for Burrowing Owls: A Guide for Golf Course Superintendents and Grounds Crews
• Annual Reports
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003
• Courtney Conway website

Burrowing Owl Management Recommendations

• Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife's Priority Habitat and Species Management Recommendations - Volume IV: Birds
• The Nature Conservancy: Species Management Abstract - Western Burrowing Owl

Legal Protection

In Washington State RCW 77.15.130 Protected fish or wildlife - unlawful taking - penalty protects burrowing owls in the following circumstances:

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful taking of protected fish or wildlife if:

(a) The person hunts, fishes, possesses, or maliciously kills protected fish or wildlife, and the taking has not been authorized by rule of the commission; or

(b) The person violates any rule of the commission regarding the taking, harming, harassment, possession, or transport of protected fish or wildlife.

(2) Unlawful taking of protected fish or wildlife is a misdemeanor.

Federal protection is afforded burrowing owls through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Education

• Partnership for Arid Lands Stewardship (PALS)
• Local school projects, etc.
  • To be announced
• Tri-City Herald Coverage
  • Audubon Society keeping watch on owl project
  • Fast disappearing
  • Scientists watch over burrowing owls

NA Distribution Map

Natural History

Conservation Status

Tri-Cities and Moses Lake Burrowing Owl Research Project

Burrowing Owl Management Recommendations

Legal Protection

Education

Partnership for Arid Lands Stewardship (PALS)

Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology (CREHST)

Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society